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So Im changing my coolant

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Old Nov 8, 2009 | 01:00 PM
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Default So Im changing my coolant

And cant get my rad cap off. It comes loose but will not come off....whats the deal? Also, can I just add coolant rather than flush? Just tryin to get my new jeep ready for a road trip at the end of the month and really dont want to take it to my mechanic to spend the big bucks gettin it tuned up. Anyhelp would be AWESOME.

Heres what ive dont thus far:
Changed Fuel and Oil filters, changes Oil pressure sender, changed the oil.

Now the coolant is real low and am wondering what I should do about it. Just add some coolant or flush my radiator? But in order to flush i need to get my rad cap off........
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Old Nov 8, 2009 | 01:01 PM
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Push down and twist another 180 degrees. Two position cap so if you tried to do this when hot you would not burn yourself.
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Old Nov 8, 2009 | 01:31 PM
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Originally Posted by quickster2
Push down and twist another 180 degrees. Two position cap so if you tried to do this when hot you would not burn yourself.

Got it! Thanks! So, when adding coolant back into the system, do I put in the plastic overflow or do I add right into the radiator?
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Old Nov 8, 2009 | 01:32 PM
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Also, How much coolant should I use??
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Old Nov 8, 2009 | 01:36 PM
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You fill the radiator. Just fill it up until in comes to the top and let it drain back down and top it off again until it stays full for a few seconds. Then fill the coolant resevoir to the fill line and your all set.
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Old Nov 8, 2009 | 01:37 PM
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Originally Posted by FordRacing1
You fill the radiator. Just fill it up until in comes to the top and let it drain back down and top it off again until it stays full for a few seconds. Then fill the coolant resevoir to the fill line and your all set.

AWESOME!! What kind of coolant? I have 50/50.
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Old Nov 8, 2009 | 03:15 PM
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Depends on where you live. In Michigan, I've always run 50-50.
I actually ran thicker (more concentrated 70-30) when I was living in Texas to prohibit the overheating issues from 114 degree summers.
Make sure when you fill the resevoir only to the "cool" line.
Rad fluid is on sale at Autozone and O'riely/Murray's.
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Old Nov 8, 2009 | 04:24 PM
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Thank you!
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Old Nov 8, 2009 | 04:30 PM
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yep just regular green coolant. You can buy 50/50 or you can buy straight coolant and mix it with water. pour the coolant out and fill the same container up with water and mix it.
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Old Nov 8, 2009 | 05:39 PM
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Originally Posted by FordRacing1
yep just regular green coolant. You can buy 50/50 or you can buy straight coolant and mix it with water. pour the coolant out and fill the same container up with water and mix it.
If you mix the coolant, always use DISTILLED water, not tap water.

Using “hard” water out of the tap can cause scaling in the engine. Tap water is purified for drinking by chlorination, which kills germs but can cause corrosion in the engine. Even if you carefully measure the amounts of tap water and antifreeze to get the right blend, using tap water is not a good idea. Tap water also contains dissolved oxygen, calcium, magnesium, and other contaminates besides chlorine and chlorides that can significantly degrade corrosion inhibitor performance.
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Old Nov 8, 2009 | 11:02 PM
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Originally Posted by sandstone
If you mix the coolant, always use DISTILLED water, not tap water.

Using “hard” water out of the tap can cause scaling in the engine. Tap water is purified for drinking by chlorination, which kills germs but can cause corrosion in the engine. Even if you carefully measure the amounts of tap water and antifreeze to get the right blend, using tap water is not a good idea. Tap water also contains dissolved oxygen, calcium, magnesium, and other contaminates besides chlorine and chlorides that can significantly degrade corrosion inhibitor performance.
Very true sir. I second that :-)
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